ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, November 21th, 2011 – The United Kingdom (UK) Government’s new strategy for its Overseas Territories will be at the heart of discussions at the annual Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC) on November 23-24.

Hosted by Foreign Office Minister for the Overseas Territories, Henry Bellingham MP, the meeting will bring together premiers, chief ministers and elected representatives from across Britain's Overseas Territories (OTs). Discussions will focus on the UK Government’s strategy and look forward to the proposed 2012 White Paper on the Overseas Territories.

There will be sessions on a wide range of subjects including: aviation safety, good governance, criminal justice, economic development, and environment and climate change.

The Council will be attended by ministers from the Departments for International Development; Transport; Environment; Energy and Climate Change; the Treasury; Home Office; Ministry of Defence; Culture, Media and Sport; and Business, Innovation and Skills.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Henry Bellingham MP said: “I am delighted to welcome elected leaders from the Overseas Territories to this year’s meeting in London. Much has happened since Territory leaders gathered here 12 months ago and I am delighted that the UK Government has developed and agreed a clear strategy towards the Territories focused on increasing our engagement with them; working together to strengthen good governance arrangements, public financial management and economic planning, where necessary; and developing external support for the Territories.

A strong demonstration of our increased support for the Territories was provided by this Government’s decision to build a new airport on St Helena. I will be joined at the meeting this year by several colleagues from across the Government. This is a sign of the strengthening engagement of the whole of the UK government with the Overseas Territories.

I look forward to discussing with Territory leaders their ideas for the development of our partnership which will help us develop our thinking for the White Paper on the Overseas Territories that we intend to publish next year.”
In addition to the Council meeting, leaders and elected representatives will attend a reception hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as well as having bilateral meetings with Mr Bellingham.

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